Make smart bike share ecosystems part of your smart city

Make smart bike share ecosystems part of your smart city

The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet released details of its Smart Cities and Suburbs Program in March this year, following through on an election promise from 2016.

The program encourages eligible organisations – local governments, private companies, research organisations and not-for-profit bodies – to deliver collaborative smart-city projects that improve liveability, productivity and sustainability of Australian cities, suburbs and towns.

Round-one grants from the $50 million announced to establish the program are now available. The minimum grant is $100,000 and the maximum is $5 million.

BYKKO™ bike-share is an innovative approach to the future of urban mobility and we would be happy to discuss a collaborative approach to accessing smart-city funding for transportation planning.

We believe e-bikes should form part of any integrated modern transport strategy.

Research shows the most influential barriers to bike-share use in Australia are related to car travel being too convenient and docking stations not being sufficiently close to home, work and other frequented destinations and not the ‘infamous’ mandatory helmet law.

BYKKO™ works with councils in implementing successful bike-sharing systems, starting with low-cost feasibility studies that provide succinct and focused reports. Using data analysis, global comparisons and proprietary cartographic methods we provide quantitative appraisals of cities and precincts. We analyse where bike-share has worked, where it can’t, and where it can be beneficial even on a limited scale.

ACT Minister for Transport, Meegan Fitzharris, launched Australia’s first smart-electric bike share system for a residential building in Canberra in April. BYKKO™ and developer Art Group teamed up to provide 10 shared electric bikes at the On Forbes apartments in the suburb of Turner, which is close to Canberra City and the Australian National University.

Despite the national capital creating a national first and recognising our e-bike initiative, Australia’s other progressive cities remain at the forefront of our thinking. A three-month trial in Newcastle’s West End over the summer was a complete success and participants said more stations should be installed around the city.

National Geographic named Newcastle one of the seven smart cities in the world and our bike-share stations were mentioned as one of innovative features. We would like to be part of the conversation when cities consider smart-city transport solutions. All urban dwellers are being forced to think about how they want to live in, and get around, their city. The BYKKO™ bike-sharing platform is a smart addition.

BYKKO™ uses impressive data technology (Smartphone easy access, GPS tracking, usage mapping, activity feedback) and provides European-manufactured lightweight power-assisted bikes suitable for people of all fitness and ability levels. International research has found e-bikes encourage more people to cycle. Bike-share stations are delivering proven health, economic and social benefits and minimising the carbon footprint.

A bike-share system is an effective, interchangeable, collective transport asset for tourists and locals alike. BYKKO™ e-bikes have a daily range of 50 kilometres and can reach speeds of up to 25km/h. They offer a new model of active transport for the city and should form part of any integrated transport and urban renewal strategy. Smart money supports councils and companies that include smart-bike stations and cycling.

A digitally enabled e-bike share network using real-time GPS analytics to manage demand, optimise capacity and enable better customer outcomes integrated with the internet of things (IoT) network and public transport infrastructure would provide valuable data to plan and build Australia as a smart country.